Rocking Rocks
A workshop exploring rocks, the rock cycle and bringing the work of geologists to life through practical activities and virtual reality. 
Curriculum Topics: Rocks, Classification, Careers
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Years 3-7
What will the workshop cover?
The workshop is aimed at introducing students to observation and investigation of the properties of rocks to understand how they were formed.  

Topics covered:
  • The rock cycle and how different types of rocks are formed.
  • The different categories of rocks and their key features.
  • The work of geologists.
  • Practical activities and group work looking at identifying different rocks.
  • The use of virtual reality headsets to explore rock formations.

The goals for the Rocks workshop are to: 
  • Introduce the rock cycle and different categories of rocks.
  • Give students the opportunity to develop practical skills and work scientifically.
  • Allow students to experience how geologists work and how to practically identify rocks and minerals. 
Curriculum topics:
  • compare and group together different kinds of rocks on the basis of their appearance and simple physical properties
  • identify and classify rocks according to whether they have grains or crystals
  • learn about the range of jobs carried out by people they know, and to understand how they can develop skills to make their own contribution in the future.